A group of astronomers embarks on a fantastical journey to the Moon in a cannon-propelled rocket. Upon landing, they encounter strange giant mushrooms and hostile Selenite inhabitants, leading to a daring escape back to Earth, where they are celebrated as heroes.

Georges Méliès' 1902 masterpiece, "A Trip to the Moon," is a treasure trove of early cinematic wonder:

    • Pioneering Special Effects: Méliès, a former magician, revolutionized filmmaking with groundbreaking techniques like stop-motion, multiple exposures, and dissolves to create its fantastical journey and alien encounters.

    • The Iconic Moon Face: Its most famous image features the rocket landing directly in the eye of the anthropomorphic Man in the Moon, an instantly recognizable and enduring symbol of early cinema.

    • Literary Inspiration & Artistry: Inspired by Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, the film was often meticulously hand-colored, frame by frame, adding to its dreamlike quality.

    • Early Blockbuster & Piracy: Though a massive international success for its time, weak copyright laws meant it was heavily pirated, denying Méliès much of the profit from his innovation. He also starred in the film himself!

While "first fiction book" can be debated depending on definition (e.g., distinguishing from epic poems or short prose), "The Tale of Genji," written in early 11th-century Japan by Murasaki Shikibu, is widely considered the world's first novel.

The story follows the life and loves of Hikaru Genji, a handsome and talented son of the Emperor who is made a commoner for political reasons. It chronicles his numerous romantic affairs, courtly intrigues, and eventual exile and return, offering a detailed portrayal of Heian-era aristocratic society, its customs, and the complex inner lives of its characters. After Genji's death, the narrative continues with his descendants.

The author, Murasaki Shikibu, was a lady-in-waiting at the Imperial court, and "The Tale of Genji" was originally written not for publication in the modern sense, but for the entertainment of other noblewomen at court. This explains its incredibly detailed and introspective focus on courtly life, emotions, and the nuances of relationships, which might not have been found in works intended for a broader, possibly male, audience.